TOUGH MUDDER

WITH WINTER WELL AND TRULY ON MELBOURNE AND SOME MOUNTAIN TRACKS ON THE AGENDA WE NEEDED TO UPGRADE THE TYRES ON OUR MAZDA BT-50.

- WORDS MATT RAUDONIKIS IMAGES ELLEN DEWAR

When the long winter spell hits Victoria, many of the mountain tracks stay wet for months on end. That's why much of the High Country shuts down for the season — but not all of it. A handful of tracks remain open, offering the chance to explore the backcountry and maybe even score some snow driving while you're at it.

The standard tyres on the BT-50 have handled highway and formed-road duties without issue, but winter brings a different challenge. With muddy conditions and the risk of getting bogged increasing once you're off the beaten track, it was time to step up to a more aggressive tread pattern better suited to the season.

We asked the team at Mazda if they had a suitable tyre option for tackling the tougher stuff, and they came back with a set of Cooper Rugged Trek all-terrains - fitted up on a neat-looking set of 17-inch black alloy wheels from their factory options list as a bonus.